Plateau State Governor, Muftwang Files Case At Supreme Court, Says Appeal Court Verdict Is Temporary Setback

 

 

Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State has stated that he has instructed his lawyers to file an appeal at the Supreme Court against the verdict of the Court of Appeal which sacked him from office on Sunday.

According to a statement on Sunday, the governor expressed “strong optimism that the mandate overwhelmingly given to him by the people of Plateau State would be restored, as he has instructed his legal team to file an appeal at the Supreme Court.”

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja sacked Governor Muftwang and declared his election as null and void.

A three-member panel, in a unanimous decision on Sunday, had held that Muftwang was not validly sponsored by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as provided by Section 285(2) of the Nigerian Constitution.

 

The panel had held that the appeal brought by Nentawe Goshwe of the All Progressives Congress (APC) succeeds as the issue of qualification was both a pre and post election matter under Section 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution, 1999 and Section 80 and 82 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

The statement by Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, said, “Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has described the verdict of the Appeal Court that nullified his election as a temporary setback that will not deter him from repositioning the state on the path of Unity, Peace and Progress.

 

“He expressed strong optimism that the mandate overwhelmingly given to him by the people of Plateau State would be restored, as he has instructed his legal team to file an appeal at the Supreme Court.

 

“Governor Mutfwang in a statement on Sunday, admonished citizens of the state and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remain calm and assured them that as long as God remains on the throne, the mandate of the people will be preserved and protected.

 

“He reiterated his commitment to the rule of law and assured the people that there is light at the end of the tunnel, as he has unwavering faith in the judiciary and the constitution of Nigeria.

 

“Governor Mutfwang concluded with a strong appeal to supporters, as well as citizens of the state to maintain law and order. He affirmed that Plateau will be victorious to the glory of God and reassured of his commitment to continually serve the state with dedication and integrity.”